Grub Scout

With more than 20 years of experience in restaurants, bars, coffee shops and wine distribution, Grub Scout has worked in nearly every corner of the local food and beverage industry. Now, in a new role outside the service industry, Scout offers unfiltered takes on dining in Asheville and across Western North Carolina. Free from personal ties, Scout says anonymity is the secret ingredient behind each candid review. With no allegiances, just appetite, the goal is simple: to serve up straight talk and keep readers coming back for more.

The tampiquena steak was more of a platter than a dish.
Food & Drink
2 months ago
Fork & Dagger: La Rumba delivers a coastal Mexican experience

Asheville restaurant blends Spanish, African and Caribbean influences into vibrant Mexican dishes

The North Asheville burger, a side of poutine (gravy and brisket over French fries with pickled onion) and a ribeye sandwich, which contained shaved ribeye, sautéed peppers, mushrooms, onions, white cheddar and horseradish crema on a brioche bun.
Business
3 months ago
Fork & Dagger: A saltless disaster at Rye Knot

From gummy shrimp to sad pork belly, this Merrimon Avenue eatery serves up confusion

BBQ Sampler: skewers of chicken, pork and pork belly, grilled to perfection, paired with traditional yellow rice seasoned with garlic, turmeric and annatto extract.
Food & Drink
3 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Beer, barbecue and a riverside comeback

After nearly a year, Zillicoah reopens with classic beers, new collaborations and a food truck serving soulful Filipino barbecue

Food & Drink
3 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Is Pho Real for real?

North Asheville’s new Vietnamese spot hits the mark on convenience and price — even if the flavors don’t quite transport you

Speckled ocean trout
Food & Drink
3 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Crusco breathes rarified air into River Arts District

Food, drink and design weave together memories of Asheville’s dining legacy in a fresh start on Depot Street

The Standard
Food & Drink
4 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Black Mountain café serves up brunch worth the drive

Open Oven recalls the charm of Asheville’s classics with local food, friendly faces and standout plates

Food & Drink
4 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Gemelli offers a mixed bag of Italian fare

Fresh noodles and dessert stand out at West Asheville eatery, while other dishes lack balance and finesse

Food & Drink
4 months ago
Fork & Dagger: Taco Temple delivers bold flavors, local charm

Charlotte Street eatery blends fresh Oaxacan corn tortillas, creative flavors and a laid-back neighborhood vibe

Food & Drink
4 months ago
Fork & Dagger: All Souls Pizza delivers on flavor, charm in the RAD

There is just an elegant simplicity to everything here that’s just as good for date night as it is for a family outing

Food & Drink
5 months ago
Fork & Dagger: The Hound blends fusion fare with bus station charm

Hip cocktails and fusion fare — served in a former bus station? Yes, really.